A USV from Kraken Technology Group in the Solent. It is similar to a type ordered by the Royal Navy under Project BEEHIVE.

Project BEEHIVE: Kraken Technology secures 20 boat order from Royal Navy

The Royal Navy has ordered 20 Kraken uncrewed surface vessels from Kraken Technology. Ordered under Project BEEHIVE, the autonomous vessels are designed to facilitate the Navy’s transition to a hybrid fleet. But there are many challenges facing the Royal Navy that these vessels won’t solve.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on March 12, 2026. 

Kraken Technology Group has won a £12.3 million contract to produce 20 uncrewed surface vessels (USV) for the Royal Navy. Under Project BEEHIVE, Kraken will develop and produce the USVs for the Surface Fleet, the March 11 press release states. 

The contract is expected to be completed by March 31, 2027. This is quite a rapid turnaround, but given Kraken’s growth since 2021 and existing partnerships, it should be achievable.

The contract includes support for the surface fleet in the WARDEV process – figuring out how the Kraken USVs could be used in combat. It is not a single project, but rather a functional priority across the services, designed to ensure they keep up with current threats. 

The tender, released on March 10, states that the USVs are expected at Technology Readiness Level 4 or 5. This means that they are more than an idea, but are not yet a finished, frontline-ready product. The intent, according to the tender, is to conduct spiral development of the USVs. This would presumably see some development of the payloads carried and communication capabilities. 

Project BEEHIVE adds to the Royal Navy’s prospective fleet of uncrewed platforms. Project CABOT, which we have frequently mentioned, also aims to introduce uncrewed platforms. Primarily intended to act as sensors, those platforms will provide passive surveillance in the North Atlantic. Kraken’s USVs, however, should be capable of taking action against an adversary and actively supporting the surface fleet. 

Calibre comment: Will a hybrid fleet solve the Navy’s problems?

The short answer is no. The Royal Navy is facing considerable challenges in terms of personnel numbers, ship readiness and availability, and munitions. Unfortunately, it does not follow that uncrewed platforms reduce the burden on personnel. They may require a large team to operate each one, and will add maintenance requirements to any ship that carries them. That is not to say that they are of no value – they very likely are – but that some problems go deeper than technology and equipment. 

Moreover, the investment in USVs is far from the opportunity cost that some other programmes are. £12 million is not enough to resolve the Navy’s other challenges, and may set the groundwork to add some real capability. The introduction of the Type 26 and Type 31s should help solve the readiness and availability issues, but the in-service date for both is many years away. Ultimately, recruiting more personnel is difficult for a number of reasons. It is not unique to the UK or the Royal Navy, USVs like those from Kraken might help that challenge. For example, it may be more appealing to some potential applicants than other naval roles. 

But suffice to say, it is a difficult period for the British forces. These procurements are to be welcomed, but we must wait to see how the much larger challenges will be addressed. 

If you would like to read more on the Kraken Technology Group and Project CABOT, check out the articles below: 

The lead image shows a Kraken USV in the Solent. Credit: Kraken Technology Group.

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